Designing Winterized Garage Doors for Midwestern Homes

Midwestern homeowners know all about the harsh winter weather that hits them every year. Frigid temperatures, high winds, ice and snowstorms, hail, and all other kinds of harsh weather-related events are common in the winter months. That’s why it’s important to consider these environmental factors when designing a custom garage door for a Midwestern home. 

If you are in the process of obtaining or designing a door for a Midwestern home, or any home located in an area with harsh winters, here are a few things you should know. 

Understand the R-Values of Wood Garage Doors

Wood is the ideal material for custom garage doors because it is malleable, easy to customize, and affordable. But there is a common misconception that the most insulated doors are made from steel or other metal types.  

Wood is a natural insulator due to pockets of air that exist within the material itself. When layered on top of one another these materials form a good protection against the cold. Garage door manufacturers also add an extra layer of insulation to the door’s interior by using foam.  

Walk-Through and Integrated Doors

One of the best additions you can make to a garage door for cold climates is a walk-through door. A person’s garage is the largest opening on their home. When opened, massive amounts of heated air can escape through the large opening. Walk-through and integrated doors create a much smaller opening and allow residents to enter and exit the garage without opening the overhead door. 

They are a simple addition to the garage door that can save on heating costs during the coldest months of the year, especially if the house is equipped with a heated garage. 

Considering Windows

In general, adding windows is not the greatest detriment to the insulating properties of a garage door. Windows that are built into garage doors are properly sealed and use glass with efficient R-values. However, a windowless garage door will be better insulated than one with windows, but not by much. Homeowners are not likely to feel the difference between the two. 

Bonus: Common Types of Homes in the Midwest

When designing garage doors for homes in the Midwest, it helps to know the types of houses that exist in these areas. These are the most common types of homes you will find in Midwestern states: 

• Farmhouse 
• Craftsman 
• Modern 
• Ranch 
• Rambler 

Choosing a door to go with one of these architectural styles is a great place to begin. 

Ready to start your design? Need a door built right away? Get in touch with one of our CAMBEK garage door specialists today!

Get in Touch with Cambek